Handwritten and signed manuscript, in pencil , two pages, 7.25 x 11. A draft of a statement on the death of his friend, journalist Melville Stone. Hoover writes, “The passing of Melville Stone subtracts from American life a great citizen and a great public servant. No one has made greater contribution to the best of American journalism than he. No one has been a more constant or more able friend of every good purpose in American life. Thousands have enjoyed his personal friendship and have known his helpfulness. I deeply grieve his loss.” Signed at the conclusion, “Herbert Hoover.” Accompanied by a one page ALS from James West, dated February 28, 1928, to Elizabeth Stone, which reads, in part, “Having kept the original copy of the statement which Herbert Hoover gave me for the Associated Press at the time of the passing of your father, I am taking the liberty of sending it to you…Mr. Hoover wrote it in the home of James Francis Burke at Palm Beach on Sunday, February 16.” Melville Stone was a newspaper publisher, the founder of the Chicago Daily News, who became well known as the general manager of the reorganized Associated Press. In fine condition, with pencil corrections in Hoover’s hand, three horizontal folds, and a few wrinkles. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
